I know that this thread died, but I consider this a good summary,
nonetheless.
"If it involves coercion--where I threaten your children's lives in exchange
for money--that is extortion, not blackmail."
Mark
http://www.mises.org/journals/aen/blockaen.asp
AEN: Speaking of radicalism, why have you given so much attention to the
issue of blackmail?
Block: It may seem like a side issue, but it is extremely important. It goes
to the heart of market theory, in distinguishing the Austrian from the
mainstream view. And it was Rothbard's few sentences defending the legality
of blackmail that were used by the Foundation for Economic Education to
anathematize Man, Economy, and State, for example.
AEN: Now is your chance to defend the Rothbardian view.
Block: I've written almost 20 large articles on the subject and several
smaller ones. In market ethics, we say that all exchanges should be
permitted that do not involve coercion. If I invade your property, the law
should proscribe that. Is blackmail such a violation? Not at all. If it
involves coercion--where I threaten your children's lives in exchange for
money--that is extortion, not blackmail.
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